Autism in children – 8 early signs to look out for

Autism in children – 8 early signs to look out for

Autism spectrum disorder, better known as autism or ASD, is a developmental disability. Most people and children with this condition experience problems with social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, and interests. This can cause problems in relationships. One must keep in mind that several signs of ASD appear during the first 12 to 18 months. Hence, parents must consult a healthcare professional when they notice the following early signs of autism in children.

Development of peculiar interests
When a child is in the early stages of autism, he or she may show behaviors or interests that seem unusual. For instance, the child may line up toys or other objects and get incredibly upset when the order is changed suddenly. Another example of this early sign is the child throwing tantrums when separated from an object, activity, or toy.

Unusual movements
Another sign seen early in children is problems with cognitive functioning. So, if a child is on the autism spectrum, it can affect their motor skills. This can cause the child to go around in circles, flap the hands and feet, and rock back and forth rapidly. Additionally, the child may also experience an increased response to certain sensory triggers such as strong smells, sights, and sounds.

Slow reactions
Young children with autism can show slow responses to emotional cues. This can include signs that can be noticed as early as nine months. Some of these slow reactions include:

  • Not showing facial expressions
  • Not responding to their name
  • Using few or no gestures when surrounded by people

Eye contact decline
Most babies make eye contact with others by the time they are aged two months. This leads to an improvement in locating faces, building relationships, and absorbing information about the surroundings. However, researchers have found that children on the autism spectrum begin making less eye contact at the same age. This decline in eye contact leads to problems while building relationships in the future and must be considered one of the early signs of autism in children.

Delay in the development of speech or language
While babies and toddlers begin speaking at different ages, research has shown that autistic children understand and speak fewer words when compared to their counterparts. So, for example, if a child isn’t speaking single words by 16 months or two-word phrases by the age of 2, one must consult a pediatrician at the earliest. This delay in speech and language development is a glaring sign of autism in children.

Regression
If a child or an infant begins to lose skills that they had developed, it can be considered an early sign of autism. While the cause of this regression is not known yet, it can be an incredibly difficult experience for parents and caregivers. According to statistics, almost one-third of autistic children lose skills after infancy and before playschool. So, if a child was actively responding and suddenly stopped, parents must discuss it with the pediatrician.

Behavioral changes
The development of an unusual temperament, an increased number of tantrums, and the inability to adapt to small changes in everyday routine can be considered early signs of autism in children. In rare cases, children with autism can even resort to violence and self-harm. This can be in the form of banging their heads, legs, and arms on surfaces to show their distress.

Lack of emotional connection
When most children are between 12 and 18 months, they develop an interest in mingling with other kids their age and playing pretend games. However, in the case of autistic children, one can notice early signs of the condition when the kid prefers to be left alone and avoids any form of interaction. These problems can indicate social difficulties as there is no development in emotional connection.

Additionally, many children with autism spectrum disorder tend to experience gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. These signs may worsen with the intake of processed and inflammatory foods. So, it is important to check for intolerance to certain foods, such as those with gluten and lactose, and eliminate them from daily meals. Further, one should increase the intake of soluble or insoluble fibers depending on whether they experience diarrhea or constipation, respectively.

Most early signs mentioned above can be noticed in autistic children before they turn one year old. Hence, there are chances that parents and caregivers may miss them. Therefore, parents must keep an eye on their kids, and once these signs are noticed, one must consult a doctor for a quick diagnosis. Further, its also advised to consult a healthcare professional for a treatment plan that can cater to the child’s symptoms and needs.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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10 herbs and spices that may help with cancer prevention and management

According to reports, cancer affected around 439 per 100,000 individuals in our country in 2019. But on the bright side, many survived the condition. This suggests that while cancer is a significant health concern, timely diagnosis and advanced treatment can help patients recover. Besides doctor-recommended therapies, a healthy lifestyle and nutrition plan is essential when dealing with the condition. Here are some herbs and spices that may help prevent and manage cancer: Turmeric Turmeric does more than just flavoring one's food to perfection. Curcumin, the component that facilitates its bright-yellow color, is a potent antioxidant that may slow the spread of cancer cells in the body. It does this by helping destroy the blood vessels that feed cancer cells. Thanks to this property, turmeric complements cancer treatments like chemotherapy. It may be added to gravies, soups, smoothies, and stir-fries. Turmeric milk or tea is also emerging as a popular beverage. Garlic This allium vegetable helps prevent cancer cells from growing new blood vessels and facilitates their death. S-allyl cysteine, an organosulfur compound present in garlic, is shown to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells. Reports from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) also indicate that garlic is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Garlic butter is an appealing way of incorporating this spice into one's meals. Alternatively, finely chopped or crushed garlic may be added to stir-fries, gravies, and soups. Basil As per research findings, this flavorful herb is loaded with flavonoids that may protect against cancer. It also contains several antioxidants and bioactive compounds, instrumental in fighting cancer cells. Basil is an excellent seasoning ingredient in bread preparations and soups. The aromatic leaves of this plant may also be consumed raw. Ginger Due to the presence of gingerols, ginger may have a cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines in the human body. Studies have also shown that the combination of ginger and lemon can inhibit cancer cell growth. Chopped or julienned ginger may be incorporated into gravies, stir-fries, curries, and other dishes. Crushed ginger added to warm tea is also popular for taste and nutrition. Oregano Carvacrol, a molecule in oregano, acts as a natural disinfectant. It can prevent the spread of cancer cells and control the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that may increase one's susceptibility to the disease. Oregano is a popular seasoning in preparations like pizza, pasta, and noodles. Caraway Some studies have shown that caraway, or meridian fennel, is a potent antioxidant that may help curb the spread of cancer. It protects the body from attacks by free radicals and can reduce the growth of cancer cells in the body. Caraway seeds are extremely flavorful. They can be used to enliven homemade dishes or consumed raw after meals to aid digestion. Cinnamon Besides having therapeutic effects on the body, cinnamon is shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and facilitate their death. It is often used as a flavoring ingredient in tea. Some also powder the spice and add it to smoothies, shakes, porridge, and juices. Cloves Cloves are rich in betulinic acid and other triterpenes, which can act as chemopreventive agents against breast cancer. The spice has also been shown to inhibit molecules that promote the onset of other cancers. It is commonly used in its powdered or crushed form in gravies, soups, smoothies, and tea. Cayenne pepper This powerful spice contains capsaicin, a powerful antioxidant that kills cancer cells. It is particularly proven useful in reversing prostate cancer. A dash of cayenne pepper in soups can uplift its flavor considerably. It can also be sprinkled over scrambled or boiled eggs or added to lemonade for a refreshing beverage. Cardamom Studies have shown that cardamom powder can increase the activity of enzymes that aid in cancer prevention. It may also act as a natural chemotherapeutic agent, enhancing the effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Cardamom-flavored tea is a popular way of consuming this condiment. Besides eating healthy foods and incorporating these spices and herbs into one's meals, staying physically active and avoiding processed foods can help with cancer prevention and remediation. The key is to follow the treatment course recommended by oncologists, besides adopting a healthy lifestyle during and post treatment.

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